Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma: Soft-Tissue Tumor

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Sarcomas are a rare type of cancer affecting bone, cartilage and muscle. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is the most common type of soft-tissue sarcoma. It originates in fibrous tissue, the tough tissue that forms tendons and ligaments, and covers bones and other parts of the body, and it can spread to bone.

MFH typically affects adults between ages 50 to 70. It is more common in men and Caucasians. The most common location for the tumor to occur is the thigh, followed by the upper extremity and abdomen.

The facts

Site: Most commonly the lower extremity – specifically, the thigh – followed by the upper extremity and abdomen. A milder form of MFH involves the skin and is known as a cutaneous MFH.

Cause: Unknown, but may be linked to genetics and/or prior radiation treatment.

Symptoms: Painless soft-tissue mass that slowly increases in size until it becomes symptomatic. Symptoms include swelling, pain, numbness and tingling. The mass can invade bone and cause fractures. In most cases, the mass has grown over a period of four to six months before patients present to their physicians.

Diagnosis: Physicians will evaluate through clinical examination, MRI scans, CT scans and bone scans, along with laboratory studies. A biopsy will be performed.

Treatment: The primary treatment is surgery along with radiation and chemotherapy.

Outlook: MFH is an aggressive sarcoma that is likely to recur and metastasize to the lungs, lymph nodes, liver and bone.